Hospital closures and a major for-profit hospital operator's plan to spend $300 million on employee benefits with the aim of attracting nurses were among the healthcare finance topics that piqued readers' interest in May.
Below are the five most popular finance stories published by Becker's Hospital Review in May.
1. Vanderbilt University Medical Center points to Epic rollout for 60% drop in operating income
Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center ended the first nine months of fiscal year 2018 with operating income of $44.4 million, down 60 percent from $110 million in the same period a year earlier. The decline was largely attributable to higher expenses related to the rollout of the health system's new EMR system.
2. Texas hospital closes, allegedly owes Cigna and Aetna $43M
In early May, Bay Area Regional Medical Center in Webster, Texas, closed its doors, laid off about 700 employees, and was hit with a lawsuit alleging it owes Cigna and Aetna a combined $43 million.
3. HCA to spend $300M on employee benefits with focus on attracting nurses
Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare is earmarking $300 million for employee benefits, largely in an attempt to attract nurses.
4. 104-bed Alabama hospital to close
RMC Jacksonville (Ala.), the city's only hospital, will shutter June 30, with its property gifted to nearby Jacksonville State University.
5. Ascension's operating income drops 62% in first 9 months of fiscal year
St. Louis-based Ascension saw revenues and operating income decline in the first nine months of fiscal year 2018.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Direct primary care group files for bankruptcy after abruptly closing clinics
Texas Children's operating income nearly triples in first half of fiscal year
Senator calls for federal investigation into Missouri hospital's billing practices